A NEW PLATFORM [INTRO POST JANUARY]

[voidtreckermods]

On the Train

Despite whatever Voidtreckers may have learned or how they feel about those revelations - or reminders - of the precariousness of their situation, the train flies ever onward.

"Good morning Voidtreckers, it is day one of the month of Poi. Points have been updated on the system."

With points updated, everyone can spend the morning shopping. Most people will be expecting the second announcement that comes a few hours later.

"Shortly arriving into a designated void platform. Exit from void in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. The weather is dry but there is a chill to the air and a strong breeze." A lurch and a jolt, and the windows fill with the fog that means they are at a platform.

The doors open. As usual, those who leave first notice nothing, walking silently, rucksacks on their backs, towards the barriers. Dairine, Okada Izō, Rapunzel, Satoru and Siebren; all pass across the platform, not looking back. And then they're gone, disappeared through the barriers and into the fog beyond.

But on the platform itself there are thirteen new faces. Wearing hoodies in all four colours and in various states of confusion.

For New Passengers

At first all they can see is steam billowing around them as they come to their senses. As their eyes adjust, they find themselves on a platform. The platform is long with a grassy mound behind them. It is blustery and the air is cold, they will be glad of those hoodies.

They are standing, in clothes that are not their own and a style they might not even recognise. They are carrying a rucksack on their back. For a moment it seems to just be them, alone on the foggy, windy platform; then the fog begins to fade and they realise they aren’t alone.

Thirteen figures, all facing the tracks, all dressed in cargo trousers and hoodies. Then there is a roaring sound and out of the fog arrives a train. Jet black with gold writing on the side. The Voidtrecker Express. There is a hiss as the doors slide open and out pours a strange assortment of people, over a hundred at least. Some are human, some are less so. Most are wearing the same hoodie in one of the four colours, red, orange, blue and purple, though some are sporting different clothes in a variety of styles.

Behind them, the doors close, and the train is cloaked in the same fog that hides the world beyond the platform.

The Train

After a short time, perhaps ten minutes or so, the fog clears and the doors hiss open again. Those from the train may encourage those on the platform to board. It’s not like there's anywhere else to go and even if there was, you feel a pull. A need to board, a feeling that staying on the platform would lead to something terrible. If that is not enough, there are plenty of people on the platform now, to encourage them onto the train.

Each ICP shows the same message and next to the screens there are stacks of leaflets written by those on the train, with further information (see
'Publications'). The store rooms have been restocked with fresh ingredients, with cans of corned beef lining the shelves.

For passengers that have bought items, these are also scattered around the luggage carriage in various suitcases and bags. Those from purple who go to find their prize will find a large box containing a gingerbread train for them to share. Plenty enough to go around, even for the largest team.

New passengers will find their ticket allows them into their cabins. In most rooms, the occupied beds are obvious, leaving the spotless, empty spaces for the newcomers. Room is tight but there are storage cubbies at the head of each bed, beds fold up and the bottom bunks double as benches for the small table. There is storage under those benches full of spare blankets and pillows.

Snow Time: Rock Garden

Winter seems to have followed from Osiga and nested in the rock garden. There's a chill that nips in the air and a light snow (real snow) fills the air. A thin cloudy haze at the top of the carriage seems the source. Yet the kaleidoscope of the void will assure that this is no timely world stop.

People might have seen it occurring the night before. Snow falling heavy before tapering off with an odd precision, leaving a heavy blanket over the carriage 'ground'. By morning of Platform Day, a miniature winter has descended, ripe for snowforts, snowballs, angels and snowmen.

It's not just the climate that's changed. Many statues and rock features are missing or moved. Digging below the snow reveals soil now frozen but providing a barrier between the bare floor of the carriage. Keen eyes will see changes are made with safety and available space in mind. The fountain has been emptied but the pond and streams are frozen solid, allowing intrepid spirits to try slide-skating over the surfaces without the risk of breaking through. The mosaics are still around, and enchantments are in place to protect paintings and paper decorations from damp. Any plants have been sent to sleep or taken to safety.

The benches are still around. Paths and bridges are covered with fresh snow, but, as the day goes on, it's trampled down and or scattered. Najaran's woodfolk may be glimpsed near Jingyi's shrine or hiding in the shadows of rocks and statues still present, perhaps even buried in the snow and peeking out. Shy around humans, though those with pointed ears or Hylian lineage may find an easier time interacting.

There are signs on both doors of the carriage warning of the change and mentioning the dressing carriage will have winter gear, and it does: with hats, scarves, gloves and ice skates in a variety of sizes. Dispensers with warm drinks such as coffee, hot chocolate and hot water for tea are available in the Games Carriage.

Early the next day, the snow will be gone and the gardens returned to how they once were.

Departure

A second horn sounds to encourage any stragglers taking advantage of the fresh air, and the doors slide shut. Veteran passengers know what will happen next, but they may wish to brief their new companions.

The train sets off, the fog obscuring the view again as it picks up speed.

"Welcome aboard, passengers of the Voidtrecker Express." A female-coded artificial sounding voice echoes throughout the train. "Please take the time to read the passenger information displayed on the Information and Communication points and familiarise yourself with the layout and emergency exits."

The train begins to tilt, leaving the ground and rising up into the fog-filled sky.

"Entrance into Voidspace imminent. New passengers are advised to remain seated. Entry into Voidspace in ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one."

A shudder, a jolt, a lurch to the left. A flash of light, colourful and blinding. As quick as it happens it is done. The train seems to steady itself. The fog from the windows is gone now, replaced with a kaleidoscope of ever-changing colours.

Welcome to the Void!

Comments

Esteban | Purple Team | OTA

[crowneddragon]

I - Gingerbread Train
Esteban hadn't known until this morning that there was some sort of competition between the colours; he didn't even know why it was in place. But oh-- the moment there's a call that there's a huge gingerbread train for the team gets him bolting to the carriage faster than a blink.

It's his favourite sweet! and Esteban is excited and happy to partake in, snatching pieces where the structure is the most stable. Most of the friends he's made are on the purple team, but he'll be happy to share with anyone at all!

II - Stone / Snow Garden
Oh, thank the Guardians Spirits, they have this!

The few minutes they get at each station has always rattled the half-elf, needing so much more of the free open space than he ever could get. The garden having a bit of snow won't last, he knows-- he's heard-- but just the fact that they have this soothes him a bit. Lying down in the snow, with an arm across his eyes, he can pretend to feel the wind for a bit, breathing in the sharp, cold scent of winter, despite not wearing anything more than the train-provided sweatshirt.

III - Wildcard
[OOC: Esteban spends much of his free time either in the music carriage (performance stage), or the sports carriage, feel free to poke him if you want!]

i

[blitzcheer]

"What the."

...That's a gingerbread.

Of a train.

A giant, long gingerbread train. Tidus has shown up later than Esteban, if not by much, ending up in the luggage car out of habit more than for any particular reason. He catches sight of the other guy, sure, but-

His eyes might be stuck on the gingerbread. Train.

"These sweets are getting out of hand."

(Tidus clearly has wrong opinions.)

[crowneddragon]

"D'es that mean I get yer share?" Shameless, Esteban is grinning as he waves at his companion, before his hand starts swiping lightly at the air, right of his face. It brings a light furrow in his brow as he starts dutifully spelling out the name. A gritty, toneless voice pipes up from his wrist as he goes through the motions.

T-i.D.

Shit, he can't remember the U. A swipe of his hand skips the vowel, and the S is much easier to find-- he has one in his own name after all! Self-established homework done, Esteban snatches a bit of the confection for himself, nibbling slowly on the corner of the wheel he's stolen to make it last.

"Not much of a sweet person?" he asks, his voice rising with his question. A nearby stack of suitcases make a perfect seat, and Esteban wiggles on it in barely contained happiness.

[blitzcheer]

Tidus is about to respond, except the device Esteban wears talks first, and he's a quizzical brow as the letters come out. Does he understand what's being attempted between their different languages? He gets they're letters, but.

...but that was a distracted moment. Regardless, Tidus wears a half-amused smile, making his way to the confectionary train, attempting to figure out where to even start.

"Don't mind 'em, just - sweets for doing a good job all the time?" It's weird, odd. Peculiar. And even more peculiar is deciding what is meant to be his share. A wall? "--But I know a guy with the biggest sweet tooth, so sorry - maybe one of these squishy bits is mine."

He pokes one of the colourful candies.

"--You can have that."

Yes, yes, he knows, he's very generous.

[crowneddragon]

The letters translate well enough across, or else there wouldn't be a point to Esteban learning fingerspelling. The only reason he has to use it is to name his friends properly after all, because while the letters translate, the word does not unless Esteban knows the sign for it.

It makes for Special lessons when he can get them.

"Inigo has a sweet tooth?" he asks instead, curious.

Hang on. Backtrack. Maybe he shouldn't be prodding out here; he knows Tidus spends a lot of time with Taiki and Romeo after all. But Esteban had already defaulted to Inigo because though he knew the others by sight, he'd never really had a good conversation with them.

Welp. That's what he gets for not thinking-- again.

"Y' don't have t' answer that." Besides. He can ask Inigo himself. Seems to fit though.

And listen, Tidus may be teasing, but Esteban is fully happy in stealing the candy anyways. It's not the best part-- the gingerbread is-- but he's not about to sneer at extras.

[blitzcheer]

If it wasn't for what Esteban tacks on, Tidus would've figured that Esteban's gotten to know Inigo well. But he doesn't need to answer? He raises an eyebrow, if briefly.

"It's not a secret." If that's what Esteban's worried about? "Yeah, big one. I mean, he'd probably let you have his share, if you begged-" He makes a gesture to the gingerbread train. "--but he'd make some really sad eyes about it. Watch you eat it, die inside."

He's joking, by the smile he's wearing, but he also looks pretty sure of these events. Absolutely sure.

Tidus folds his arms comfortably, not in a rush to pick from the train.

"You friendly?"

II Stone Snow Garden

[wewillwewill]

Would you believe there's a bit of a wind too? It's not perfect. The void still streaks by outside since the 'clouds' can only mask so much without overwhelming the carriage. But there's the hint of earth and stone under the snow, the smell of frozen water or melting slush.

And a tiny trace of breeze that isn't simply the drafts of the doors opening and closing as people wander through. It's faint and helps maintain the cold temperatures but it doesn't overwhelm or cut through the winter gear people wear. In short it's not unbearable.

"Are you in discomfort?"

Elidibus was passing by and saw Esteban laying in the snow. Others he's watched swinging their arms vigorously and leaving imprints behind. But the half-elf seems to be keeping still and breathing deeply... and that's about it.

There might be mild concern here even though a quick check does not show any signs of succumbing to the cold so that fades while he waits for an answer.

[crowneddragon]

The arm moves out from over the redhead's eyes, and he half-sits, leaving some of his weight onto his arms. He's... seen him before-- there was this message he'd sent everyone about their custom, and the realization helps Esteban find the name of his companion.

"Oh! Elidibus!" His weight shifts entirely onto his left arm, and the right hand starts swiping in the air, trying to spell it out. It should be spelled as it is pronounced, right? Then again, he's not sure which alphabet the SCA uses; it probably translates into an alphabet that the other person can understand. The voice on his wrist pipes up as he goes through them, E-l-i.D-i..B...

Stupid U. It's on the tip of his fingers. He flicks them to indicate the skip, embarrassed that he's been caught twice now by this. Zagreus also would need it; he needs to practice. The S sputters out between them at last, and Esteban takes a deep breath of the cold, sharp air again.

"Not discomfort, no," he indicates with a grin. "Thanks fer checkin' though. I don't get cold easy, so it's fine. An' the snow makes me so happy~" Anything. He'd take any change at this point, his guts churning at the monotony of the days spent onto the train. It rattles underneath his skin, and makes his hair stand on end if he thinks about it too much.

"How 'bout you? Enjoyin' a stroll?" he asks cheerfully, standing up so that his companion doesn't have to loom over him like he's watching a particularly vivacious corpse coming back to life. A few pats clear him of most of the snow, but his clothes are most definitely wet at this point.

[wewillwewill]

"Yes, I'm Elidibus." There's patient interest that follows as Esteban seeks to spell out the name in a form of sign language. Which seems to be correct if the nod is any indication. "You're learning... signals of some form?" A language, if a general sense of its form whispered to the Ascian's senses is an indication, as well as the SCA's patient vocalization.

Well, he can look into that later.

"I'm pleased to hear you've enjoyed your time in this garden today. It means the effort will not go to waste." Really there's enough of a turnout to the snow garden that it's clear this has been a relative success. Esteban makes one more of that number. But there's a calmness to Elidibus's tone that suggests his words are polite for politeness sake rather than relief. Perhaps he's a man that tends to be a little distant.

As to what he's enjoying... "Merely checking the conditions. This was hastily arranged and the climate is sometimes wont for adjustment. As well, it needs to be maintained throughout the day so that everyone may have a chance to appreciate it, should they wish."

It's hardly something to appreciate if everything is slushy snow midway through right? Gotta maintain those snow levels. Sizing up the half-elf as he stands. "Hm. Esteban, is it?" He reads the roster you see. "Even if you're capable of handling the cold, it would be remiss to let you fall ill because of the damp and chill. May I suggest a warm drink? There are many being dispensed in the games carriage."

Just a suggestion. He isn't so wholly indifferent as to not offer a suggestion, at least.

[crowneddragon]

The half-elf perks up at his words, a little surprised to hear this.

"Yer the one who made it snow?" It... sort of is implied in his words, mentioning the "efforts not being wasted." Is that... normal? Can he do it at will? That would be pretty cool.

"Thanks! Makes the train feel a bit more normal!" It certainly makes Esteban feel better in his skin at the very least, so at the very least, he thinks Elidibus should know his-- well, whatever he did-- was appreciated properly. He rubs the back of his head free of the snow and ice that melted there.

'Dians, though, that speech pattern.

"I don't get sick easy either," the half-elf mentions instead, shrugging. "But I'll take y' up on that warm drink 'f you wanna come along." He doesn't have any reason to go on his own after all, and he'd rather enjoy the snow. He's likely to stick around for absolutely as long as he can, not wanting to miss a single minute of it.

He's not above bullying people into being his friend after all. A snicker escapes him at the notion, amused at his own thoughts, and the smile that curls at the corners of his lips is far too mischievous to miss.

[wewillwewill]

"This was the work of multiple people, including myself," Elidibus answers. "Though I led the effort." His idea, some of his work but there were others. Ones he doesn't mention. "And you're welcome. I'll be sure to pass on your appreciation to the others as well."

Following that there's a moment where he seems to consider Esteban's offer. A decision is made; largely consistent with encouragement to get out of the snow long enough to dry. Claims that one does 'not get sick easy' is not necessarily reassuring when it comes to overexuberant types.

"Then I will join you for a time." Friendship is... well, good luck with the reserved man. He seems calm, even if he hadn't for a second missed the mischievous look.

Moving on over into the games room, there are dispensers with hot chocolate, coffee and hot water. Cups, additives and tea are also present. There's probably been some inroads, but the area's also been maintained. One can count on Elidibus (or maybe even the unnamed others?) to have made sure of it.

Without much preamble, the man moves to fix a cup of tea. For certain reasons he's still a bit wary of coffee but that is a whole other story that will not be related.

ii

[the_aunt_general]

That stone garden draws her, too. For once, she can leave her sword and shield behind, and stretch out. She stands there, in pants and a tunic, hands on her hips.

The snow is nice. Very nice. She closes her eyes, just enjoying the cold feeling against her face, for the moment.

[crowneddragon]

Half-buried in the snow, Esteban doesn't notice right away when his secret-keeper-friend shows up, but when he does, everyone-- except her-- would have heard his call through the carriage.

"Amaya!" Yes. It's stupid. He's realizing it as soon as the name is out on his lips, but he can't help it! He's glad to see her, and having learned his lesson he only approaches so far before waving his hand in the sort of pay-attention-to-me wave she's taught him.

{Hello A-m-a-y-a!} He signs, grinning brightly all the while.

Fingerspelling was... hard. They'd both realized it wasn't very useful into most of their conversations, because their words didn't match, so while the SCA translated the letters into an alphabet the other could understand, the words did not. But Esteban had made it his duty to learn the fingerspelling anyways, and had slowly begun adding the names of his friends to the few things he could spell out-- Amaya's being one he had the most practice with.

He taps two fingers underneath his eye three times, the gesture quick and reckless before he waves his arms around the carriage. In truth, he could talk to her as he would for any other person, but Esteban does try his best to keep simple concepts entirely in sign-language, simply because it's her language.

{See/Look! I-happy-I!}

It'll be a long way before his SCA picks up on his meaning rather than the simple words he knows, but he's slowly getting there!

[the_aunt_general]

She smiled at that.

Very good! Someone's been practising!

And mimicked applause.

[crowneddragon]

Of course he did; he was serious when he decided to learn her language. But he can also admit that a new language doesn't get learned overnight, so he has to relinquish the attempt for now. He's more careful to face her when he speaks to her now, and there are a few words he can slip in with sign language as he speaks, though they are rare and difficult to manage-- bouncing between two languages at once has proven harder than he thought.

"I try, 's much as I can," he nods, brightening under her support nonetheless. "Didja come here t' enjoy the snow?"

This time, he tries to cobble together a sentence he's not sure is appropriate, pointing at himself, then hovering the sign for hurt over his heart, and picking up snow. Maaaaybe he is super wrong about this, but he thinks it's getting the point across.

{I, heart-hurt,} here, he shows the snow to her, before closing his statement. {I}

[the_aunt_general]

She nodded at his question, then smiled sympathetically at his attempt. Something missed, something from home, by her translation.

She looked up, closing her eyes for a moment, letting the snow drift into her face, before she began to sign again, looking back at him.

It's refreshing. Just the right sort.

I

[mynameisallen]

The prizes certain are getting different to say the least, but Allen as he looked at it couldn't even think of wanting to take a bit. Mostly because it looked nice, but at the same time he was a bit hungry at the moment and it was food for the purple team.

So he walked over to take a piece before at least thanking the train out of politeness before his focus was on who he considered a friend.

"You must really love gingerbread."

[crowneddragon]

"It's my fav'rite~" He cheers openly, bright as sunshine. The piece he's been nibbling on switches hands and he has to brush the crumbs from his right palm, before gesticulating through a handful of signs, just at his shoulder level. His SCA pipes up with a rusted, monotone voice as he does.

{A-l-e-n, Allen}

"Well, not actual fav'rite," now that he thinks about it. It's drier than he likes, but the taste is close enough that he doesn't care. "I like ginger cookies best. But this's pretty close~" And he won't say no to some of his favourite sweets.

"How 'bout you?" Now he's genuinely curious, turning to Allen with a slight tilt to his head. "Got any sweets or snacks you like best?"

[mynameisallen]

Allen made sure to keep a note of what he liked. No reason right at the moment but it never hurts to know for if he decides to do something nice for any sort of reason. Plus maybe making gingerbread or ginger cookies seemed like a fun idea in his mind in the future.

"I have a favourite food item which is mitarashi dango. It's the most delicious food." As he spoke about them he seemed excited as he soon finished eating the piece he had taken.

"Apart from that I tend to be okay with a lot of snacks or sweets. So long as they don't have alcohol in. For reasons I dislike it."

[crowneddragon]

"Mi-ta-ra-shi... dango?" He has never ever heard of this. Baffled by the term, Esteban's brows furrow as he tries to conceive what could possibly have such an awkward name, but he can't imagine it being like a cake or--

"What-- what is it?" He'll need more information. He might not have the skills to cook it, but if he can... find something similar? Ish? Allen has been super kind to him, and the least he can do is keep an eye out for something similar. If he can.

If he even knows what it is.

Alcohol, hun. Esteban does enjoy the occasional splurge, but he can get why some people don't like it. He makes a note not to offer any to his friend, if he ever bothers getting some for himself.

[mynameisallen]

"Ah, I guess you've never heard of them before." Silly of him. He should have figured that honestly. So he was more than happy to explain.

"It's pretty much rice dumplings that are covered in a sweet soy sauce. I'll happily get some for next time." He brought them once before, he was more than happy to do it again and share them with those he liked.

"But other than that, you'd find I'm the least picky when it comes to food. Will eat anything. Food is delicious after all."

i

[flatteries]

.. At least they've got sweets.

Inigo might not be in the best mood, but at least there's sweets. That sure gets him to come off his butt and actually move through the train to see their reward. Inigo knows how this works. The reward is always sweets. And he desires the sweets. He needs them.

He's not too surprised to see Esteban there, considering they're on the same team and all, but.. well, it's the reward that has him staring for a moment. Curious, perhaps a little confused. He glances over at Esteban, and figures he trusts the other enough to lean over and ask him, with a hushed whisper:

".. Can you actually eat that?"

It looks like a train, after all! Why would you make something edible in a special shape like that if it's going to be eaten anyway! Esteban, help, this is so confusing.

[crowneddragon]

It would probably work best if Esteban didn't already have a cookie-- one of the wheels-- in his mouth. Clearly the structure is edible. The half-elf had barely taken a glance at it before the smell of ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon and sugar had him disregard how pretty it was in favour of just stealing pieces as quickly as he could.

He offers one of the other wheels to his friend, ever so cheerful even when defacing a work of sugar and art combined. After breaking his own cookie to munch it down, his right hand came up to flick through quick gestures by his side and the SCA on his wrist pipes up with a gritty voice.

{I-n-i...G-o, Inigo}

He swallows, and beams, proud of his simple achievement, before turning actually responding to the question.

"Sure y' can! 'Less you wanna leave it there t' mold." He's teasing at this, snickering in that overly bright way that lights up his eyes.

[flatteries]

Is Inigo used to technology by now?

To a certain extent, of course. He's been on the train for so long, it'd be weird if he wasn't.. And yet, at the same time, he lets out an almost comedic shriek when the SCA suddenly starts calling out his name like that. It takes him a moment to realise that was just Esteban making the device do so.. But b-bro, his heart is weak, don't startle him like that..!

"Really? But why did they bother to make it look like a train then?"

Having calmed down enough to speak again, Inigo takes the gingerbread wheel from the other, putting it into his mouth and slowly chewing, like he's worried the other might be trying to prank him..

But.. no. This really is edible. It's pretty yummy, too, actually.

"I mean, people are going to eat it anyway."

[crowneddragon]

Listen. Listen.

Esteban had been relaxed. Chill. Just hanging out and having fun and happy that his friend had joined him up. He hadn't even considered that there was anything wrong.

So Inigo's shriek scares him. Scares the hell out of him.

Scares him so hard, Esteban flails and smashes into the suitcases he'd been leaning against in his impromptu seat. There's a heart-dropping moment where the jumble of them wobble, and the half-elf leaps up to press against them, holding the stack steady, reaching up as high and wide as he can.

Silence. Quiet silence.

He can still feel his back crawl with nerves, and his throat is suddenly, painfully dry, but when Esteban backs away, slowly, carefully, there's no tell-tale wobble, nor even a twitch. The suitcases remain steady. He glances at his companion, eyes wide and eyebrows almost vanishing under his bangs--

And laughs. Laughs loudly, laughs recklessly, bright as summer and twice as cheery, adrenaline and nerves dropping out from under him so suddenly he has no other recourse than to laugh and laugh and laugh.

"Dead Guardians in a ditch, Inigo!" He has to hold his ribs together, or they might just crack. His guffaws make it hard to say anything at all in between the laughter and the shivers still racing down his spine.

"Y' almost scared the elf right outta me!" His lungs are still jumping under his hands, tickling whenever he's running out of air, and in desperate need of a breath. He leans against the wall this time, trying to stitch himself back together between the bursts of laughter-- 'Dians, he wishes Inigo could have seen his own face and the snickers that he just cannot stop for the life of him! His ribs ache, and his heart is still stuck somewhere in his throat, instead of his ribcage.